Getting Around Brooklyn. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation in Brooklyn

Brooklyn has an extensive subway network, providing 24/7 service to most neighborhoods. Subway lines are identified by letters and numbers. A comprehensive bus network complements the subway, reaching areas not directly served by trains.

The NYC Ferry is a water-based transit option connecting various Brooklyn neighborhoods to Manhattan and other boroughs, offering scenic views.

Route Maps & Hubs

Subway Maps: Obtain free paper maps at stations, or download digital versions from mta.info. Navigation apps are useful.
Brooklyn Subway Hubs: Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, Jay Street-MetroTech, Dekalb Avenue.
Bus Maps: Available online via mta.info. Integrated into navigation apps.
NYC Ferry Map: Available on the NYC Ferry website and app, detailing routes and landings.

MetroCard

Traditional payment for subway and bus. Single ride: $2.90. 7-Day Unlimited: $34.

Omny

Contactless payment. Tap credit/debit card or smartphone. Fare $2.90. Offers fare capping.

NYC Ferry Tickets

Purchase via app, at landings, or with OMNY card. Single ride $4.00.

Hours, Frequency & Accessibility

Operation & Frequency

Subway: Operates 24/7. Reduced service overnight or weekends for maintenance.
Buses: Generally early morning to late night, some 24-hour routes.
NYC Ferry: Functions on a schedule, typically early morning to late evening.

Accessibility Information

MTA: Increasing ADA compliance. Some subway stations have elevators/ramps. All buses are accessible.
Check mta.info for accessible routes and stations.
NYC Ferry: All watercraft and landings are ADA compliant.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

Use Apps

Citymapper or Google Maps for real-time info.

Avoid Rush Hours

7-9 AM and 5-7 PM weekdays, if possible.

Express vs. Local

Express trains skip stops for faster travel.

Tap Once

With MetroCard or OMNY, tap/swipe only once.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient, door-to-door transportation, specifically useful having luggage or late-night travel.

Taxis: Identification & Fares

Yellow Cabs: Mainly Manhattan, but hailed in parts of Brooklyn. Look for illuminated roof light for availability.
Green Boro Taxis: Operate exclusively outside Manhattan's core, serving all of Brooklyn. Hail on street.
Hailing: Wave your hand on the curb.
Fares: Metered. Base $3.00, plus charges per distance/minute. Surcharges for night/peak hours. Tolls extra. Accept credit cards and cash. Tipping (15-20%) is customary.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Brooklyn. Provide upfront estimated prices for a ride. Via is another option for shared rides.
Safety: For ride-shares, verify license plate, car model, and driver's photo match the app. Share trip details with a trusted contact.
Avoid unlicensed "gypsy cabs." Stick to official taxis or reputable ride-sharing services.
Airport/Station Arrangements: Designated taxi stands at airports and major train stations. Follow signs for official queues.

Public vs. Private Transport

Public transport (MTA) is generally the most efficient and cost-effective.
Taxis/ride-shares are more expensive but offer door-to-door convenience.
Consider private options for late-night travel or with heavy luggage.

Use public transportation for exploring neighborhoods and key attractions.
Combine public transport with perambulation for a full experience.
Factor in traffic for all road-based transport options.

Ride-Sharing vs. Taxis

Ride-Sharing Pros

Upfront fare estimates, in-app payment, easy booking via smartphone.

Taxi Pros

Hailed on the street, regulated by TLC, can use cash or card.

Considerations

Surge pricing for ride-shares, traffic delays for both, tipping expectations.

Rental Options

While public transport and ride-shares often prove sufficient, rental options provide flexibility for specific needs or day trips outside Brooklyn.

Car Rental

Requirements: Minimum age 21-25 (surcharges for under 25). Valid driver's license. IDP useful if foreign license not English. Major credit card.
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National have offices at airports and some city locations.
Recommendation: Not generally recommended for exploring Brooklyn due to heavy traffic, parking difficulty, and high costs. Useful for day trips outside the city.
Book in advance. Valid insurance is required.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits 25 mph (40 km/h) in urban areas.
Parking: Extremely difficult and expensive. Limited street parking with alternate side rules, metered zones. Parking garages are costly ($20-$60+).
Fines: Parking violations are strictly enforced and expensive.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Limited availability for tourists. Typically cater to experienced riders.

Bicycle Sharing & Shops

Citi Bike

NYC's public bike share system. Numerous docking stations in Brooklyn.

Single ride $4.79, Day Pass $19.

Local Bike Shops

Many local shops offer daily or weekly rentals. Includes helmets and locks.

Alternative for longer rides.

Safety

Stay alert due to traffic and pedestrians. Helmets recommended for adults, required for children under 14.

Lock bikes securely.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo.
Park Slope, Williamsburg (main commercial strips), Prospect Park.
Many residential streets offer nice for walking.

Walking Tours

Guided Tours: Companies offer tours focusing on history, architecture, food (e.g., Free Tours by Foot, Big Onion Walking Tours).
Self-Guided Tours: Utilize guidebooks, apps, or online resources (Google Maps, NYCgo.com).
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge for iconic views.

No-Go Areas & Safety

Generally, no absolute "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians/cyclists.
Use common sense: avoid walking or cycling alone at night in poorly lit or isolated areas.
Main roads having heavy traffic (Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue) are less pleasant for walking/cycling.

Bicycle infrastructure improves, but cyclists should remain vigilant on account of traffic and pedestrians.
Helmets are recommended for adult cyclists and required for children under 14.
Lock bikes securely when parked.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, some specialty transportation services serve certain needs or enhance your sightseeing.

Tour Buses & Water Taxis

Tour Buses: Hop-on-hop-off bus tours (Big Bus Tours, Gray Line New York) include stops in Brooklyn.
Tours cover major Brooklyn landmarks like Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo, Prospect Park.
Boat Taxis: NYC Ferry is the main water taxi service, offering practical transport and beautiful vistas.
Water taxis provide an unique perspective of the city skyline.

Accessibility Services

MTA Access-A-Ride: Program for eligible individuals with disabilities, providing paratransit services.
Many taxis and ride-share services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles if requested.
Check individual attraction websites for specific accessibility information regarding their facilities.
Cable cars, funiculars, or unique local transport like tuk-tuks are not present in Brooklyn.